Credit cards aren’t just about convenience—they’re powerful tools for earning rewards on your everyday spending. Whether it’s cashback on groceries, free miles for your next trip, or vouchers from your favorite brands, having the right rewards credit card can stretch your budget and enhance your lifestyle. But with so many options, it’s important to know how to choose the one that suits you best.
This guide breaks down the different types of credit card rewards in the Philippines, compares top options, and shares smart strategies to help you maximize value. From unexpected high-earning categories to redemption tips tailored for Gen Z and millennials, we’ll help you decide which options fit your spending habits best once you activate your credit card.
Rewards Credit Cards Explained
Rewards credit cards offer you some type of "reward"—typically cash back, points, or travel miles—for every dollar you spend, sometimes up to certain limits.1 A rewards credit card not only gives you something back for your spending but also helps you maximize value on everyday expenses. It’s a great way to enjoy perks like travel deals, exclusive discounts, and even savings on essentials—just by using your card responsibly.
Common Rewards Categories
Understanding which credit card offers the best rewards for your spending habits can help you maximize your benefits. Many banks offer credit card rewards programs that let you earn points with every swipe. These points can be redeemed for exciting perks like gift certificates, hotel stays, air miles, annual fee waivers, and even prepaid load.
Here are some common spending categories and the top credit card picks in the Philippines that offer the best rewards:
🍽️ Dining
If you frequently dine out or order food, choosing a card that offers high rewards in this category can be beneficial.
HSBC Live+ Credit Card
- Up to 8% cashback on all dining spend (one of the highest in the market)
- Why it ranks high: Straightforward high cashback specifically for dining, with no need for complex point conversions
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
- Earn 3x non-expiring reward points when you shop and dine here and abroad
- Earn 1 non-expiring reward point for every ₱30 spend
- Redeem cash credits, merchandise, gadgets, points transfers, and more
- Ideal for: cardholders who frequently shop and dine locally and overseas
🛒 Groceries
For regular grocery shoppers, selecting a card that offers rewards in this category can lead to significant savings.
RCBC JCB Classic
- Earn one (1) reward point for every ₱125 spent at supermarkets, drugstores, or gas stations
- Free travel insurance and purchase protection up to ₱50,000
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
- Earn 1 non-expiring reward point for every ₱30 spent
- Redeem rewards for cash credits, merchandise, gadgets, and more
- Ideal for cardholders who frequently shop and dine locally and abroad, including at supermarkets
⛽ Fuel
For drivers and commuters, fuel cashback or rebates go a long way—especially with frequent price hikes.
HSBC Red Mastercard
- 6% rebate on your first Caltex fuel spend
- 3% rebate year-round
BPI Petron Card
- 3% rebate on Petron fuel (up to ₱15,000/year max rebate)
- ₱200 welcome fuel voucher
🛍️ Online Shopping
With more people shopping online, having a card that rewards your digital carts is a must.
HSBC Red Mastercard
- 4x reward points on online, shopping, dining, and overseas spend
- 1 reward point per ₱20 spend
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card
- 6x Lazada Credits for every ₱200 spent on the app — excellent if you're a frequent Lazada shopper
- Includes exclusive Lazada merchant discounts, making it perfect for those who shop mostly within that ecosystem
✈️ Travel
For those who live for trips and adventures, travel rewards cards offer miles, insurance, and airport perks.
BPI Visa Signature Card
- Earn 2 BPI points for every ₱20 spend (fast rewards accumulation)
- Up to ₱20 million in travel accident and inconvenience insurance
- Free access to PAGSS international lounges in NAIA 1 and 3 with a guest
- Premium lifestyle perks: 50% off on dining, hotels, resorts, fitness, and wellness
- Ideal for both frequent fliers and luxury travelers
UnionBank Miles+ Visa Signature
- Earn 1 mile per ₱30 spend (direct-to-miles, no point conversion needed)
- Free travel insurance up to ₱1 million when tickets are purchased with the card
- 2 free lounge passes yearly (local and international)
- Purchase protection and miles that can be redeemed for cash or air miles
- Ideal for frequent international travelers
Unusual but High-Reward Categories
Most people think of groceries, gas, and dining when it comes to rewards, but many cards now reward spending in unexpected (and highly useful) categories:
📱 Mobile Load
Mobile load counts as regular retail spend, and it can be purchased online—letting you maximize points on the habit.
HSBC Red Mastercard
- 4x points on online, shopping, dining, and overseas spend
- Regular earn rate of 1 point per ₱20 spend
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
- 3x non-expiring points on shopping and dining (local and international)
- Regular earn rate of 1 point per ₱30 spend
💡 Utility Bills
Turn bill payments into rewards—whether it’s electricity, water, or the internet.
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
- 1 point per ₱30 spend — better than the usual ₱35–₱50 rate
- Points never expire — ideal for long-term use
- Rewards are versatile: redeem for cash credits, merchandise, gadgets, or points transfers
- No category restrictions: utility bill payments will still earn points at the base rate
- Ideal for: cardholders who want consistent, flexible rewards for everyday expenses including bills
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard
- 2x points on online purchases — and most utility bills (like Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, etc.) can be paid online through apps or websites
- Regular rate of 1 point per ₱20 spend (strong base earn rate)
- Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards through Metrobank’s reward catalog
🎬 Streaming & Online Subscriptions
Get rewarded for binge-watching and listening—yes, your Netflix and Spotify habits can earn points too!
HSBC Red Mastercard
- 4x points on online, shopping, dining, and overseas spend (including Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium, etc.)
- Regular earn rate of 1 point per ₱20 spend
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard
- 2x points on online purchases
- Base rate is already competitive: ₱20 = 1 point, meaning you earn a point faster than many others
- Good coverage for typical digital consumer habits
📦 E-commerce
Shopee haul? Lazada sale? Get more value every time you check out.
HSBC Red Mastercard
- 4x points on online, shopping, dining, and overseas spend (including Shopee, Lazada, and other e-commerce platforms)
- Earn 1 point per ₱20 base spend
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card
- Earn 6x Lazada Credits for every ₱200 spent on Lazada
- Exclusive discounts from select Lazada merchants
- 1 Lazada Credit for other merchant purchases
Final Thoughts
A credit card should do more than just let you swipe—it should reward your lifestyle. Whether you prefer cashback simplicity or versatile rewards, there’s a card built for your spending style. When choosing between a cashback versus rewards card, look at how you spend, how you want to redeem, and what local deals you can stack.
Today’s cardholders want flexible, fast, and fun ways to redeem their rewards. These generations are savvy with digital tools and want value beyond boring catalogs. Always check how to redeem credit card points via your bank’s app or website—some are instant, others require a bit of patience.
Want to compare all the top cards side by side? Use Moneymax’s credit card comparison tool to quickly explore and compare card features, fees, and rewards—find the best fit in just minutes.
Source:
[1] Rewards Credit Card: What It Is, How It Works, Choosing One (Investopedia, 2024)